Lead Welding

Expert Lead Welders

Highly Experienced & Qualified

Lead Welding

Lead welding, also referred to as lead burning, is the task of melting sheets of lead together by laying them side by side. This process is used for both our Lead Roofing Contractors service and our Box Guttering service. It is a key aspect of roofing works as well as the construction of gutters and other rainwater goods. If lead welding is required for your construction, we will take care of the rest. Lead welding is done manually with oxy-acetylene gas used as a fuel. A small gas flame is directed at the sheets of lead, welding them together to form part of roofing or gutters. 

Safety is vital when it comes to lead welding, and we are aware of all precautions before any work can commence. Protective gear and equipment will be used, the welfare of our staff and clients is our first concern.

Lead Welding
Lead Welding 3
lead roofing contractors
lead welding a safety guide

Our guarantee 

At Silk Leadwork, we want each client to be happy with their experience and our services. We go above and beyond for each customer, providing: 

  • Expert industry knowledge 
  • Prioritisation of safety
  • Professional service tailored to the client
  • Recyclable materials
  • Fully qualified welding contractors

We are proud to provide London and surrounding areas with a high-quality lead welding service, committed to improving industry standards across the UK. To learn more about the services we provide, visit our Lead Roofing Contractors page or contact us for any quotes and questions.

Why choose Silk Leadwork? 

Silk Leadwork provides top quality lead welding services to clients across London and surrounding areas. Our expert team produces industry leading work at an affordable price, so our customers are given value for their money. 

We are constantly raising the bar and are committed to increasing lead welding industry standards. We strictly adhere to building regulations and guidelines, prioritising the safety of our workers and clients. Our choice of lead ensures it won’t be damaged by temperatures, expanding with the heat in the summer and contracting with the cold during the winter. All the lead we use is 100% recyclable, making your choice eco-friendly. This helps conserve natural resources and prevents lead from being released into the environment. 

Silk Leadwork are highly experienced and qualified lead welding specialists, dedicated to improving the leadwork industry as well as creating a positive experience for all clients.

Lead Welding 2

Lead Welding FAQs

What is lead welding

Lead welding is very similar to other types of metal welding, except it doesn’t require a flux. Also known as lead burning, this process joins sheets of lead together manually with the use of a torch flame. 

Different gases can be used for fuel, the most common being oxy-acetylene as well as hydrogen and natural gases. The flame is applied to a small area, given the minimal size of the torch, to melt sheets of lead into one.

When would I need lead welding?

Lead welding is a process used in various construction projects, but can also be used for DIY purposes. It’s most commonly found in roofing, used to melt sheets of metal together to form a strong base. 

Lead welding by plumbers is more of a traditional method, used mainly when restoring historic buildings as well as a few alternative uses. Lead piping is almost obsolete, used only in the chemical industry for rare purposes such as manufacturing acid-resistance tanks.

What size nozzle is best for lead welding?

The torch used for lead welding, or burning, is usually fitted with a small size #0 nozzle. Due to the small area the torch will cover and the compact size of the torch itself, a smaller nozzle is often recommended. However, different sizes are available should your project require it. 

If you are curious about what size nozzle we use for our lead welding construction, feel free to contact us with any questions.

Is lead welding the same as soldering?

Soldering and welding have similar properties within the process, but there is one major difference. Whilst welding requires the base metal to be melted, soldering never does. Instead, soldering heats the metal to bond it to another material. However, the terms are used interchangeably. 

Joints completed through welding are stronger than ones done by soldering, as the heat required is much higher for lead welding. Because of this, heat treatments are always needed for welds, but never for soldering.

Do you need flux to weld lead?

No. Lead welding is done without the inclusion of flux. 

Flux is a chemical cleaning agent used mainly before soldering electronics, but never for lead welding. The welding of other metals, however, does require the use of flux. Similar to copper, lead has its own fluxing agent and therefore does not need any additional flux.

Is lead welding dangerous?

Lead welding can be dangerous if the right safety precautions and equipment are not used. The fumes produced could cause lead exposure which has serious side effects on a person’s health. These fumes are classified as poisonous and have dangerous properties leading to cases such as lung cancer, reproductive disorders, and asphyxiation in confined spaces. 

Creating a safe environment for both workers and clients is a top priority of ours, and we strive to protect the health of our staff.

How much does lead welding cost?

As lead welding is often fixed to other projects, such as implementing gutters and roofing, there is no individual cost of lead welding. Instead, your quote will depend on the size of the project and the labour needed. The average cost of welding services across the UK ranges from £300 to £500, but these figures can change. 

Silk Leadwork offers an affordable and high-quality lead welding service to clients across London and the surrounding areas. Contact us for more information on our services.

What is lead flashing?

Lead flashing is an aspect of roofing and refers to the pieces of metal or material implemented to stop water from entering into the structure, or as part of a weather-resistant system. A roofing structure cannot be completed without lead flashing. 

Flashing has been used in building construction for centuries, with lead still the most popular choice. This is due to its strength and durability.

can you weld lead to other metals?

Welding lead to other metals can come with several issues. Metals melt at different rates and temperatures, controlling both at the same time would be extremely difficult. Some metals aren’t compatible and therefore won’t weld together properly, titanium and steel are an example of this. Whilst dissimilar metal welding can be done, the properties of both metals need to be identified to ensure they are melted and heated correctly.

All Other Roofing Work

Traditional lead roofing

lead welding

parapet wall covering

domes,turrets and spires

flashings

ornamental lead

door hoods

bossing

dormers

Barrel roofing

tapered gutters

flat roofs

chimney stacks

box gutters

lead pipes

bossing

sand cast and cast lead

concave and convex roofing

pitched roofs

cornices

cladding